What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Computer Asset Tags

After splashing out on a high-tech PC, it’s essential to protect your investment – but how? While some people might take out a fully-comprehensive insurance policy, others will rely on asset tags. These adhesive security labels are available online, but are they really affective? Here are the pros and cons of tagging your top-of-the-range computer.

Computer Asset Tags – Pros

#1. Asset tags protect against theft

They might be small, but asset tags can protect your valuable IT equipment from theft. Marked goods are unattractive to burglars as they would generally be worth less money and would definitely be harder to resell. Burglars will tend to target things that look brand new and will want to steal goods that are difficult to trace. Asset tags show your computer is distinguishable and will warn any potential thief that it is accounted for and registered. What’s more, these sticky tags are often made from tamper-proof materials and leave a nasty mark when removed – another theft deterrent.

#2. Asset tags make your property easier to trace

If your PC is lost or stolen, asset labels make items easier to retrace. The unique serial number and barcode help identify your property and can be tracked by the police. Every year, the amount of electrical equipment stolen in the UK is scary, so it’s important to make your item stand out. While many goods are never retrieved, labelled assets have more chance of being returned. Police keep a close eye on criminals and often know how to seize and identify items. For extra security, you could always apply a customised asset label, as these will let everyone know who the computer should belong to – and prevent the item from being resold.

#3. Asset tags are an essential part of business

Asset tags are great for both private and business use and are an absolute essential for smaller companies. They help keep track of inventory and can be scanned into a dedicated database. Keeping track of stock is essential and these small labels will let you identify each and every PC. They help staff order the right amount of stock and monitor both fixed and non-fixed assets. PCs are expensive to buy, so it’s wise to know how many you have and need to keep your business running smoothly.

#4. Small enough to not ruin the look of your gadget

Asset tags are small and discreet enough to make sure your computer remains aesthetically pleasing. They won’t cover up the brushed aluminium finish of your sparkling new Apple Mac and will look professional enough on a workplace Notebook. While they should be placed on the front of your device (for maximum security) they won’t ruin the look of your computer. Most IT equipment has a number of other labels on display anyway, so asset tags simply blend in with what is already there.

Computer Asset Tags – Cons

#1. Asset tags can devalue your property

Asset tags can devalue your property, mainly because removing them isn’t easy. They can leave a nasty stain when tampered with and customised labels in particular might make your computer much harder to resell. If you’re selling to a friend or relative, they might not mind the asset tag being there, but other customers might be a little more hesitant. While asset tags are a great way to keep your property safe, they must only be applied if you think you will be keeping hold of the equipment for some time.

#2. Asset tags can be hard to scan

If you position the asset tag incorrectly it can be hard to scan. Therefore it’s essential to apply all labels near the front of your computer – where they’re easily accessible. You must be able to hold a barcode scanner above the tag with ease otherwise inventory management will become difficult. If your PC goes missing it also needs to be identified with ease, so try to position the tag in an obvious place, otherwise it becomes somewhat worthless.

#3. Mismatched tags can become confusing

Many companies use tags produced by a particular manufacturer – but this isn’t always sensible. Tags designed for a specific business are only unique to assets from that vendor, so if you start buying equipment form another company, your database might start to get confusing. The number sequences might be different and you might have to manage multiple databases. It’s better to customise your own asset tags and receive specially created labels for your equipment.

Asset tags are a great way to secure your property, but are they appropriate for your equipment?

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My name is Milica Pantic but everyone calls me Mitz.
…I am a computer freak but I do not always talk in tech language. Hope you enjoy my website and learn everything you need to know in an easy to understand way..Tips4pc Youtube Channel